Enneagram Exploration Series
The Enneagram is a system of personality typing that describes patterns in how people interpret the world and manage their emotions. Understanding a person's type helps us see why they behave the way they do. Each Enneagram type has a set of core beliefs that will motivate them to take particular actions and guide them to make certain decisions.
The following illustrations encompass the nine personality types which Enneagram describes.
Ones are ethical and conscientious, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers and crusaders, always striving to improve things but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organised, orderly and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards but can slip into being critical and perfectionistic. They typically have problems with repressed anger and impatience. At their best, healthy Ones are wise, discerning, realistic and noble, as well as morally heroic.
Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but they can also be sentimental, flattering and people-pleasing. They are driven to be close to others, and they often do things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems taking care of themselves and acknowledging their own needs. At their best, healthy Twos are unselfish and altruistic and have unconditional love for themselves and others.
Threes are self-assured, attractive, and charming. Ambitious, competent, and energetic, they can also be status-conscious and highly driven for personal advancement. Threes are often concerned about their image and what others think of them. They typically have problems with competitiveness and over-working. At their best, healthy Threes are self-accepting. Authentic, and everything they seem to be: that is role models who inspire others.
Fours are self-aware, sensitive, reserved and quiet. They are self-revealing, emotionally honest, and personal, but they can also be moody and self-conscious. Withholding themselves from others due to feeling vulnerable and defective, they can also feel disdainful and exempt from ordinary ways of living. They typically have problems with self-indulgence and self-pity. At their best, healthy Fours are inspired and highly creative, able to renew themselves and transform their experiences.
Fives are alert, insightful and curious. They are able to concentrate and focus on developing complex ideas and skills. Independent and innovative, they can become preoccupied with their thoughts and imaginary constructs. They become detached, yet high-strung and intense. They typically have problems with isolation, eccentricity, and nihilism. At their best, healthy Fives are visionary pioneers, often ahead of their time and able to see the world in an entirely new way.
Sixes are reliable, hardworking, and responsible, but they can also be defensive, evasive, and highly anxious – running on stress while complaining about it. They are often cautious and indecisive, but can also be reactive, defiant, and rebellious. They typically have problems with self-doubt and suspicion. At their best, Sixes are internally stable, self-confident, and self-reliant, courageously supporting the weak and powerless.
Sevens are versatile, optimistic, and spontaneous. Playful, high-spirited, and practical, they can also be overextended, scattered, and undisciplined. They constantly seek new and exciting experiences, but they can become distracted and exhausted by staying on the go. They typically have problems with superficiality and impulsiveness. At their best, healthy Sevens focus their talents on worthwhile goals, becoming joyous, highly accomplished, and full of gratitude.
Eights are self-confident, strong, and assertive. Protective, resourceful, and decisive, they can also be proud and domineering. Eights feel that they must control their environment, often becoming confrontational and intimidating. They typically have problems with allowing themselves to be close to others. At their best, healthy Eights are self-mastering – they use their strength to improve others’ lives, becoming heroic, magnanimous, and sometimes, historically great.
Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are good-natured, kind-hearted, easy-going, and supportive, but they can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. They want everything to be without conflict but can tend to be complacent and minimise anything upsetting. They typically have problems with passivity and stubbornness. At their best, healthy Nines are determined and all-embracing: they can bring people together and heal conflicts.
Illustrations made for the Enneagram Exploration workshop hosted by SilverLiningDiscovered.
